Mr. Vic Fleury began discussions on behalf of the NSSBA with regards to the potential reductions in funding which School Boards are anticipating from the government of Nova Scotia. Meetings have been held with fellow stakeholders throughout the province to consolidate information, begin planning a campaign and to garner support for Public education.

Ms. Akiko Lovett spoke with regards to the communications strategy for short/long term. She distributed a copy of a power-point which indicated the timelines that have been put in place. She reiterated the importance of the Board’s getting the message out to everyone the need for budgets not to be reduced. She also noted that the NSSBA has developed a video to assist in getting the message out. She would like to see the Board’s forward correspondence to the Minister of Education reiterating the importance of funding for the Board’s. Correspondence should also be forwarded to the Members of the Legislative Assembly to express ourconcerns. A Facebook page has also been created to increase the level of awareness. It is their hope to get a coordinated united approach from all of the Board’s.

Further plans to improve the communication with membership, includes enhancing the NSSBA website, refreshing the brand of the NSSBA and renewing the e-news letter.

Mr. Fleury noted that the NSSBA meets with the Minister of Education quarterly (MOU). The intent of these sessions is to share information and to assist one another on behalf of the School Board’s of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Ken Meech advised that the response to the Levin Report has been expanded into an Education plan. This provides the Department of Education with a long term plan on behalf of the students of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Fleury spoke with regards to the dismissal of the South Shore Regional School Board. He noted that Deloitte investigated the Board and had made eleven recommendations and not one of the recommendations was for the dismissal of the Board. It was reiterated that Board’s need inservicing/training with respect to their roles as board members.